Over 300 dead as powerful earthquake strikes near Iran-Iraq border

KABUL (Pajhwok): More than 300 people were killed and over 2,500 injured in a powerful earthquake that hit the Iran-Iraq border region late on Sunday. The earthquake was measured 7.3 magnitudeon Richter scale.

Iranian media emphasised that the quake mostly affected the Iranian side, particularly the country’s western Kermanshah region. The Iranianadministration has announced a three-day mourning period.

According to reports, so farat least 328 people have died and another 2,530 injured.

Iranian authorities also said that thousands of families have been displaced as a result of the earthquake.

In Iraq, the government has said that seven people havedied and around 300 injured in the northern part of the country.

The effects of the earthquake were also felt in parts of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait and Syria.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AfghanistanDr. Abdullah Abdullah has expressed his condolences towards the victims of the tragedy.

A statement from the CEO’s office was received by Pajhwok Afghan News in which he, on behalf of the Afghan government,expressedhis sympathiestowards the victims.